About 12 years ago, FRAME (The Fund for the Replacement of Animals in Medical Experiments) set up a Toxicity Committee, with the aim of encouraging discussion among toxicologists about the possible use of alternatives to animal tests, and ways of promoting their development, as well as encouraging more communication among scientists and others, including legislators, regulators and animal welfare advocates. The FRAME Toxicity Committee is composed of 19 experts, including representatives of universities, polytechnics, research establishments, industries and human toxicology, and specialists in in vitro and computer technology. The Committee formed 12 working parties to discuss specific topics with the assistance and advice of 30 additional experts and specialists.